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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Many times, while going back to my Hostel at around 6 pm, I always notice a long queue of people along the sidewalk. I was curious and tried to see what those people were queuing for.

They simply wanted to take their dinner, as you can see at the picture below, around 20 people were in queue. The name of the restaurant was Beach Road Scissor - Cut Curry Rice. It occupies two 2-storey building side by side.

Its name was a bit confusing to me, initially. Out of curiosity, I decided to take my lunch there at 2 pm where there were less people eating.

After seeing how my food was prepared, it became clear to me why this restaurant was called scissor - cut curry rice.

The guy simply cut everything (except fish and vegetables) I selected from the display or menu using an old and rusty scissor. After that, he asked me if I wanted curry sauce on my food. I replied yes, of course.

You can choose from the menu and it is cheap. In my case, without uttering any words, I simply point which food I want him to cut.

There is nothing spectacular on the menu; no secret at all. Fried bean curd, tofu, fish, egg, chicken wings, pork chop and so on.

However, the secret lies on the curry sauce or maybe the old and rusty scissor, LOL. The sauce transforms the otherwise ordinary menu into simply tasty and saucy dish. I think this is an original Singaporean dish because I have never seen any Indian restaurant offering/doing the same thing, not even in middle east.

Actually, I have eaten at Khatib hawkers center the same food but this restaurant outclass that hawker in all aspects.

I have eaten here several times and even took my dinner one time at 12 midnight..

with un-cut fried fish

bean sprouts, fried and bean curd cake with curry sauce

chicken fillet, fried egg and bean curd cake

For drinks, a roving helper would take your order and it will be brought on your table. You pay separately for the drink.

I believe this restaurant is family owned or managed.

For those with spare time to consume in Sinagpore and willing to try something affordable, different and amazing you would find this restaurant 2 blocks away from City Square Mall (Farrer Park MRT station) backside, near Mustafa Center. It is located at the corner of Kitchener and Jalan Besar Streets. Or if you are coming from Little India area, locate Jalan Besar Street, beside Sim Lim Tower, and walk against the flow of traffic. You would reach this place in around 10 minutes of leisurely walk.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

There are several ways to enter Sentosa Island. You can go by Sentosa Riders, cable car, taxi, and monorail. There are 3 monorail stations at the island, Waterfront (USS), Imbiah (Merlion and other attractions) and Beach (Siloso, Songs of the Seas, iFLY)

I decided to explore Sentosa Island the cheapest way, by Boardwalk. From VIVO City, proceed to level 1 and look for Boardwalk direction.

Before proceeding to Sentosa Island, I did some preparations. I took my lunch at Food republic and brought a small bottle of mineral water and a small face towel. Of course, a fully charged cam battery is essential

Walking along the Boardwalk is enjoyable due to sea breeze and great panoramic view of the island . Upon reaching its end, I paid 1 S$ entrance fee; you may use your ez link card also.

Upon entering the island, you will see this street sign. Universal Studios is the first sight to visit. If you intend to go inside USS then it will be very difficult to cover the entire island without sacrificing your USS experience. It is better to allocate another day for USS visit only.

USS entrance

water front station near USS

Nothing special within this area (outside USS), unless you intend to play at the casino or take a bath at the fountain. You will find here Hershey's chocolate shop and several fast-food joints.

Better proceed to Imbiah station. On your way, you will pass the Lake of Dreams and the Thinker.

Lake of Dreams

The Thinker

Going up the escalator, Sentosa's Merlion will be far ahead. This Merlion is the largest of the 5 Merlions officially recognized by Singapore's Tourism Board.

A KFC outlet is also nearby. If you are on a budget, my advice is to get take your lunch at KFC. In case you are inside USS, you go out return back after taking your lunch; just don't forget the "hand stamp." Otherwise you need to pay again to enter USS. To add, you may refill your water bottle at water station near the rest rooms. Don't worry for it is safe to do so.

We have just begun our real exploration of Sentosa Island.

I recommend that you go up the Imbiah lookout instead of going directly to Beach station through Merlion Walk.

On your way up, you will be greeted by lovely birds at the animal encounters area. It should had been called birds encounters area. You can have your souvenir pictures taken here with colorful birds by professional photographer that charge exorbitant fee per picture. However, if you are planning to visit Jurong birds park, better take your souvenir shots from there, trust me.

Going further and higher..

If you are interested about Singapore's history, this place is for you, otherwise, stay with me and continue our conquer of Sentosa island.

This Sky Tower is awesome since you will have 360 degrees view of Sentosa Island and surrounding areas; maybe next time. I prefer the real Tiger to lift my feeling.

The whole compartment is rotating slowly while ascending and descending.

I saw one snake charmer. 5 S$ per photo-shoot.

I love to try this Luge ride but it will prevent me from exploring the island by foot.

The Jewel Cable Car station. One of the many ways to enter Sentosa island.

Other attractions

If you intend to go inside USS, better watch the "real 4-D" at Hollywood street, lights/camera/action, directed by Steven Spielberg or watch the Donkey at Far Far Away.

We have plenty of this in the Philippines. The feeling is the same.

This is my favorite among the rest. This one kept my heart pumping and all my senses working all the time. The Imbiah nature/hike trail. I don't advise you to come here during night time.

Entrance

I am afraid of snakes and I was alone trekking the path to Siloso beach.

Finally

Time to explore Siloso beach.

The flying trapeze along Siloso beach.

Having more than 7,000 islands in Philippines, I didn't find anything special at Sentosa's beach.

Megazip

SHOTS ALONG THE BEACH

one of the pavilions

world war 2 machine gun pillbox

one of the bars

tram station (free?)

Luge and skyride. You can go back to Imbiah station by skyride. Costs is 8.50 S$

We are now at the Beach station. You may refill your water bottle near the rest rooms.

Songs of the Seas. Very nice evening show for the entire family. If you want to watch the first show at 7:40 pm, buy your ticket early or during lunch time, otherwise you will end up watching it at 8:40 pm. Ticket costs 10 S$.

For the most daring individual, I recommend iFLY. You need to reserve your slot. This is first come first reserve basis.

Palawan beach attractions

Time to go back to Imbiah station via Merlion track.

You can shop for souvenir items at the base of this giant Merlion.

Coming back to Imbiah station, I saw these guys.

By the way, I found 1 cycle trail at the back of underwater world.

If you follow this cycle trail, there is one track passing directly at the back of underwater world pool, you can peek and watch the show free... at your own risk, lol.

On my way back to Boardwalk

Walking further, you will reach Crane dance. During daytime, it looks like a pile of complicated metals but during the show, it is awesome.

Near this place is the Boardwalk. Time to go back to Vivo City.

You can have some rest while traversing the Boardwalk.

At the end of the Boardwalk, VIVO side, countless greetings are posted for recent Singapore's National Day.

Yes... for 1 S$ I was able to explore Sentosa Island. It was really exhausting but unforgettable experience.

For 1 S$, I was fortunate to have 1 souvenir shot at Sentosa island as well.

Who is this guy?

This family man who used to work in a remote area somewhere in Middle East wandered during his monthly vacation to avoid losing his job a few years back. Time has come for him to go home.
During his wandering, he has become part time travel blogger and foodie but remained full time Dad.
After his wandering, he tried road tripping as well and nurturing his newfound baby, Happy Stripes.
Update, this guy is now working in central Africa and admiring it's beauty, people and culture.